pib nov 1 to nov 15

KIIW PIB Nov 1 to 15

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Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com

Content

Amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013 1

Amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Second Amendment) Bill, 2013 1

English rendering of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's remarks at the Eas 2

Vice President Inaugurates 7th South Asia Economic Summit 2

Remarks by the PM at the 12th India-ASEAN Summit, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar 3

PM's bilateral engagements at Nay Pyi Taw - Nov 12, 2014 4

Joint Statement on the occasion of the State Visitto Bhutan by the Presiden 4

Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on "India-Bhutan 5

Second Services Conclave to Ideate Newer Export Paradigms 6

Radha Mohan Singh Calls for Increased Private Partnership for Post-Harvest 6

There is Urgent Need for Technological Up-Gradation in Handloom and Power L 7

Government is Taking all Steps to Create Matching Infrastructure on Our Sid 7

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee call on by Members 7

PM's meeting with Myanmar President U Thein Sein Focus on connectivity, cul 8

India and New Zealand Agree to give Fillip to Bilateral Trade 8

In the First Phase 12 Advanced Training Institutes to be set up at a cost o 9

Government will not tolerate poaching & illegal trade of wildlife products 9

Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minster for MSME inaugurates KVIC Pavilion 9

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Content

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the 20th Justice 10

Every Agricultural Field in the Country to have Irrigation Facility in the 11

Speech by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration 11

Uma Bharti calls for Fast Track mode for Inter-Linking of RiversConsultativ 13

Home Minister Rajnath Singh emphasises on prison reforms, by using technolo 14

First meeting of Reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change held 14

Union Home Minister calls for strengthening of strategies to deal with cybe 15

After white revolution, India to launch blue revolution to boost fish produ 15

Draft Civil Aviation Policy Geared to Face New Global and Domestic Demands 16

Singapore shows interest in developing a new smart satellite city in India 17

Raising the authorized share capital of Indian Renewable Energy Development 17

Left Wing Extremism discussed in the consultative committee meeting 18

R&D in steel industry is the need of the hour says Shri Narendra Singh Toma 18

Indian Railways to go for Bio-Diesel in a Big Way - Gowda 19

National Education Day Celebration 19

President attends National Education Day Celebrations 20

Statement on WTO made by Commerce & Industry Minister 21

India and the United Kingdom Agree to Further Strengthen the Cooperation in 22

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Content

India & UK Agrees to Scale-up Bilateral Research and Innovation Relationsh 22

Venkaiah Naidu Calls for Three Pronged Strategy to Realize the Goal of Clea 23

A strong system of incentives and advocacy will drive the Beti Bachao Beti 24

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Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com Page 1

Amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013 Wed, Nov 5, 2014PIB, economics, Merchant Shipping bill,

amendments' to the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013. The amendmentsincorporate the recommendations of the department-related Parliamentary StandingCommittee and for accession to the Anti Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention 2001 ofthe International Maritime Organization (IMO) after enactment of the Bill.By acceding to the AFS Convention, all Indian flag sea going vessels having 400 grosstonnage or more, would be issued with an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate,after due verification. This will enable them to engage in international shipping activitieswithout having to approach other governments, who have ratified the Convention forsuch certificates.

India will be able to ensure that all foreign flag vessels entering Indian territorial watersor the Exclusive Economic Zone are duly certified in accordance with the requirementof the AFS Convention 2001.

The AFS Convention aims to protect the environment and human health from adverseeffects of anti-fouling systems used in ships by, among other things prohibitingapplication/use of listed harmful anti-fouling systems, requiring removal of organotinbiocides from hulls to prevent leaching and mandating parties to take appropriatemeasures for collection, handling, treatment and disposal of wastes from the removalof an anti-fouling system in an environmentally sound manner.

Anti-fouling paints are used on the ship's surface to control the growth of foulantorganisms, such as barnacles, mussels, oysters, tube worms, etc which affect the speedof ships. Such use of anti-fouling paints, when persistent in the water, leads to "leaching"into sea-water. This harms the marine environment in contravention to the precautionaryapproach set out in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

Amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Second Amendment) Bill, 2013 Wed, Nov 5, 2014shipping, PIB, polity, Merchant Shipping bill,

The amendments incorporate the recommendations of the department-related ParliamentaryStanding Committee, and for ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 ofthe International Labour Organization

By ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, around 1.25 lakh serving Indiannational seafarers may stand to benefit from its conducive provisions.

Ships will need to comply with the Convention through holding a Maritime LabourCertificate. Indian flag merchant vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more and engaged ininternational voyages will be issued a Maritime Labour Certificate after an inspection

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of the ship concerned. This will enable them to receive preferential treatment andexemption from inspection, for this purpose, at foreign ports.

Besides, India will be able to ensure that-all foreign flag vessels entering Indian territorialwaters or maritime areas over which India has jurisdiction are subject to an inspectionunder the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and ensure that rights of all seafarers(regardless of their nationality) are protected.The Maritime Labour Convention seeks to provide for safe and secure workplace on aship, fair terms of employment, decent working and living conditions on ship and rightsto health protection, medical care and other social protection in line with the provisionsof the International Labour Organization Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

English rendering of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's remarks at the Eas Thu, Nov 13, 2014Myanmar, East Asia Summit, PIB, international,

following international law and norms is important for peace and stability in SouthChina Sea as well. This also includes the 1982 UN Convention on Law of the Sea,which should be the basis for resolving disputes peacefully. We also hope that theefforts to conclude a Code of Conduct on South China Sea by a process of consensuswould be successful soon.

We also have to ensure that cyber and space remain a source of connectivity andprosperity, not new theatres for conflict.

Challenges of terrorism and extremism have increased. There is close link with drugtrafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering.

a balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which givesequal emphasis to goods and services, could become a springboard for regional integrationand prosperity.

Vice President Inaugurates 7th South Asia Economic Summit Wed, Nov 5, 2014PIB, south asia economic summit, international,

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the leaders of SAARCcountries have been continually emphasising the importance of enhancing economiccooperation for regional integration.

He said that Intra-regional trade in South Asia has doubled since the region implementedthe Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The intra-regional exportshave increased to about US$ 22 billion in 2013 from US$ 10 billion in 2006 South Asiais expected to achieve substantial tariff reduction by 2016 as SAFTA implementation

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makes further progress.

while SAEU would require greater regional economic policy coordination, SAARCwould benefit from the experiences of other groupings, such as the European Unionand ASEAN.

some of the regional trade facilitation projects may ease the way for an economic union.These could be (i) coordinated border management, such as co-location of facilities,delegation of administrative authority, cross-designation of officials, and effectiveinformation sharing; (ii) regional single window which is a digital interface that allowstraders to submit all information and documentation required by regulatory agenciesvia a single electronic gateway; and (iii) regional transit, which would help the regionto move the goods and services move freely, thereby strengthening production networksin South Asia.

Most regions in the world are moving towards greater economic integration, as SouthAsia lags behind. The logic of economic union lies in re-distribution of common andshared resources within the region in a most efficient and effective manner.

Remarks by the PM at the 12th India-ASEAN Summit, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Wed, Nov 12, 2014Myanmar, PIB, international, ASEAN,

There are many similarities and convergences between us. India and ASEAN are secondand third in terms of population. We are among the largest economies and among thethree fastest growing economies in this century.

We are emphasizing infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, skill development,urban renewal, smart cities. Make in India is a new mission. We are placing as muchemphasis on ease of doing business in India as we are on making policies attractive.

I also suggest that we conduct a review of our free trade agreement on goods to improveit further and make it beneficial to all. / also urge that the FTA on Service and Investmentbe brought into force at the earliest.

Many of you have spoken about the Regional Comprehensive Economic PartnershipAgreement. It can be a springboard for economic integration and prosperity in theregion. However, we should aim for a balanced Agreement, which is beneficial to all;and, is truly comprehensive in nature, by equally ambitious agenda with similar timelinesfor goods and services.

ASEAN and India have large cities and are experiencing urbanization at a rapid pace.This is both a challenge and opportunity. Come and participate in building India's 100smart cities and renewal of 500 cities.

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We should think ambitiously of what we can do in Renewal Energy and Energyefficiency.

We should quickly establish the new India-ASEAN Space-related Ground Station inVietnam and start the project for upgrading the existing station in Indonesia.As neighbours, India and ASEAN can gain a lot from cooperation in the disaster riskreduction, response and management.

We should further enhance our cooperation in health, including traditional medicine,climate change and environment and forests.

Agriculture and food security is another area where I see great potential for cooperation

For peace and stability in South China Sea, everyone should follow international normsand law. This includes the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Wealso hope that you will be able to successfully implement the Guidelines to the 2002Declaration on Conduct and that the Code of Conduct on South China Sea can beconcluded soon on the basis of consensus.

PM's bilateral engagements at Nay Pyi Taw - Nov 12, 2014 Wed, Nov 12, 2014PIB, international, ASEAN,

He referred to the possibility of cooperation between India and the ASEAN countriesin the field of solar energy. He stressed on the need for India and ASEAN to collaborativelytackle terrorism, drug-trafficking and gun-running.

Joint Statement on the occasion of the State Visitto Bhutan by the Presiden Sat, Nov 8, 2014PIB, international, Bhutan,

At the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King ofBhutan, the President of the Republic of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee paid a State Visitto Bhutan on 7-8 November, 2014.

The main outcomes of the discussions were:

excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthenthe special friendship

reaffirmed the trust and confidence between the two countries and their mutual securityinterests.

commitment to Bhutan's socio-economic development and continued support for thesuccessful implementation of 11th Five Year Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan

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(2013-18).He launched the School Reform Programme of the Royal Government of Bhutan, aNu/Rs 3487.2 million GOI-assistance project and inaugurated the Yelchen CentralSchool

Bhutan expressed their support to the noble ideas underlying the establishment ofNalanda University and agreed to be part of this international collaboration in the pursuitof re-establishment of linkages of knowledge across the world.

Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on "India-Bhutan Sat, Nov 8, 2014PIB, international, Bhutan,

The profound words of His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk left a deep impressionon me - when he stated that "Gross National Happiness has come to mean so manythings to so many people but to me it signifies simply development guided by humanvalues."

It is significant that in Bhutan, the Gross National Happiness principle is the visionas well as the screening tool for Bhutan's Five Year Plans: its four pillars - (i) sustainabledevelopment, (ii) preservation and promotion of cultural values, (iii) conservation ofthe national environment and (iv) establishment of good governance rely on the fulland enthusiastic participation of the people for their success. India stands ready toassist in the realization of these important goals.

to enhance the value of the Indian Ambassador's Scholarship Fund from current Rs. 1Crore per annum to Rs. 2 Crore per annum.

Hydropower is a classic example of the win-win cooperation between our countries.The three existing hydropower projects have helped to electrify almost all of Bhutan,export surplus power to India and earn assured revenues to further fuel growth andexpansion. With the Punatsangchu projects on track for completion by 2018 and theMangdechhu Project expected to be completed by the end of 2017, the future of powerproduction in Bhutan looks promising indeed.

To build on our success, we have decided to also take up 4 more projects as jointventures between public sector undertakings of India and Bhutan. The foundation stonefor the first such project, the Kholongchhu, has, in fact, been laid by the Hon'ble PrimeMinister of India during his visit to Bhutan in June 2014.

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Second Services Conclave to Ideate Newer Export Paradigms Tue, Nov 11, 2014PIB, economics,

First, to explore newer paradigms in services exports, which is presently dominated bythe exports of IT and IT Enabled services (ITES). Two, it will attempt to identify thechallenge areas in services exports and strategize a roadmap for its sustained andaccelerated growth in short, medium and long term. Three, the Conclave will lay downmodalities for closing the gap between merchandize and services exports to create moreemployment and business opportunities in the sector.

The Conclave assumes importance against the backdrop of increasing share of theservices sector in the GDP, which stands at 57 per cent in 2013-14 and is increasing.Against this, the annual export of services is pegged at $151.47 billion, while the exportof merchandise stands at $312.5 billion. For closing in this wide gap, innovativeapproaches and out of box solutions are needed. While IT and ITeS will continue to bethe dominant export segment, quantum jump in the sector can be realized by augmentingexports of animation, gaming, designing etc., where India has considerable talent pool.Also, such ventures need minimum investment and can also be individual centricenterprises, which will be cost effective.

Another related area is export of professional services. Creation of a highly competitivetalent pool, infusion of newer initiatives for skill development and identifying andtracking niche destinations for export of professionals are critical in this regard. Similarly,with about 8.9 million tourist arrivals by 2020, tourism will become not only a majorforeign exchange earner but also an employment provider.

Radha Mohan Singh Calls for Increased Private Partnership for Post-Harvest Thu, Nov 6, 2014PIB, horticulture, economics,

Expressing concern over loss of farm produce in the country, estimated about 40% oftotal produce, the Minister said there is urgent need to adopt techniques, which reducedpost-harvest losses, add value and improve quality of the products and make it availableto the common man at reasonable prices.

with consistent efforts of the Government and active participation of the farmers inadopting innovative technologies, it has been possible to sustain the agriculture productionover the years. Especially Kerala has made significant progress in horticulture production,which has increased to 10.33 million tonnes in 2012-13 after the launching of NationalHorticulture Mission in the State in 2005-06. During the 12th Plan the State has got anamount of Rs. 444.03 crore from the Centre for the development of horticulture

He urged the State to create sound processing facilities for fruits like pineapple, enhance

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productivity of crops like pepper, cashewnut and coconut to be competitive in exportmarket.

There is Urgent Need for Technological Up-Gradation in Handloom and Power L Fri, Nov 7, 2014Handloom, PIB, economics,

textile sector is the second largest employer in the country after agriculture sector. Hesaid that weavers, craftsmen and artisans not only weave the variety of threads in aspecific design but also helps in unifying the different sections of society as this sectoremploys people from all sections cutting across the boundaries of caste, creed andreligion.

this sector therefore has to focus to upgrade its technology, marketing tactics, createnew designs and products at large in order to meet the requirements of consumers andbuyers.

e-commerce and e-business is up-coming in a big way and this sector has to make itsbest use to take its products to people at large.

Government is Taking all Steps to Create Matching Infrastructure on Our Sid Fri, Nov 7, 2014defense, PIB, infrastructure,

As far as India-China border roads are concerned, the Government has initiated buildingof 73 roads of total length 3812 Km for development. Out of this, 61 have been entrustedto BRO, totalling 3410 Km. BRO has completed road length of 590 Kms on 17 roads.Work on the balance roads structures are under progress and in different stages ofcompletion. The Army has prioritized 22 roads structuring upto 3000 Kms for development.The works on these roads have been taken up by the BRO and are being intensivelymonitored by the Ministry to the mission for early completion.

the completion of roads has been affected due to various reasons such as delay inobtaining forest/wildlife clearance, difficult terrain conditions, hard road structures,limited working period in a year due to extreme weather conditions, paucity of constructionmaterial and challenges posed by natural disasters e.g., flash floods in Leh in 2010,earthquake in Sikkim in 2011, Uttarakhand floods in 2013 and J&K floods in 2014.

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee call on by Members Wed, Nov 12, 2014defense, PIB,

Today, we as a nation are faced with several challenges. They include the scourge ofinternational terrorism. The problem has been compounded by non-state actors who

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are often sponsored, financed and armed by states. Not only our armed forces, but thoseof other peace loving nations too should brace themselves to meet this challenge. 8. Inorder to counter the complex security threats, our defence forces should be equippedwith modern and sophisticated weapons.

Unfortunately, our forces are heavily dependant on imported wares. Today the dependencyis around 70 percent in regard to our capital requirement. But this high level of dependencyis fraught with danger for our armed forces. The technology denial regimes, and theavailability of critical spares and support at crucial moments can pose serious challengesto our security forces. This level of dependency has to reduce substantially.

A well calibrated strategy with primary focus on the development of indigenous militaryindustrial complex should be implemented sooner than later. In such instances, theCabinet Committee on Security would take decision on a case-to-case basis.

We have recently enhanced the FDI ceiling in defence from 26 to 49 per cent. Thisceiling would not be an impediment where state-of-the-art technology is involved. Thismeasure is expected to strengthen the indigenous defence industry.

PM's meeting with Myanmar President U Thein Sein Focus on connectivity, cul Tue, Nov 11, 2014Myanmar, PIB, international,

reviewed the progress of major connectivity projects between the two countries includingthe India Myanmar Thailand trilateral highway, and Kaladan transport project. Bothsides see the trilateral highway as an opportunity for industrial cooperation, and soughtto explore the possibility of setting up industrial parks along the highway. TheImphal-Mandalay bus service also came up for discussion.

The possibility of India investing in Special Economic Zones in Myanmar was discussed.Investment in the oil and gas sector in Myanmar, and India's assistance in developmentprojects in the agriculture and skill development sectors also came up for discussion.

India and New Zealand Agree to give Fillip to Bilateral Trade Wed, Nov 5, 2014PIB, international, new zealand,

there is a great scope for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries inagriculture and allied sectors.

India's desire to cooperate and learn from the experience of New Zealand in the areasof livestock, processing, cold chain management, animal breeding and germ plasmexchange of apple, cherry etc., as well as kiwi cultivation and its post-harvest managementand protected cultivation of high value crops.

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India would also be interested in scientific exchanges in the fields of pasture managementfor sheep management, management of mutton type sheep

great possibility of New Zealand importing a large number of agricultural commoditiessuch as garlic, grapes, wheat, groundnut, sugar etc

In the First Phase 12 Advanced Training Institutes to be set up at a cost o Fri, Nov 7, 2014make in india, PIB, economics,

The Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGE&T) of the Ministry ofLabour & Employment proposes to set up 12 Advanced Training Institutes (ATIs) atvarious locations

to be implemented in PPP mode, with the objective training of 9200 Vocational Instructorsto begin with.

This effort is a part of 'Make in India' program which aims to transform India into abest-in-class manufacturing hub and it places a strong emphasis on skill development.

Government will not tolerate poaching & illegal trade of wildlife products Sun, Nov 2, 2014environment, PIB, wildlife,

oney generated from illegal trafficking and trade of animals and poaching always founda way into illegal activities.

Unethical use of products of various animals and plants, often based on unjustifiedreasons has been a factor flaming illegal activities like poaching, smuggling and illegalwildlife trade. In order to curb this unethical behavior, the law enforcing agencies allover the world including India have been putting in serious efforts in combating thewildlife crimes and have seized a large number of wildlife products.

Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minster for MSME inaugurates KVIC Pavilion Fri, Nov 14, 2014PIB, economics, KVIC,

KVIC has been participating in the IITF organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation,Pragati Maidan, New Delhi for the last two decades. The theme of this year's fair is"Women Entrepreneurs".

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Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the 20th Justice Wed, Nov 12, 2014social, PIB, women,

In the 20th century, two world wars saw the emergence of 'human rights' campaign,where all human beings are born free and equal in dignity. Based on the three pillarsof equality, dignity and safety, there is increasingly a global focus on the empowermentof women. However, women continue to battle stereotypes and prejudices.We are today living in a knowledge society, where women have competed with mento show that they are equally gifted. Women have excelled in various professions be itmedicine, administration, teaching or banking.

To protect the rights and legal entitlements of women, the National Commission forWomen was established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament of 1990.

Women-centric legislations have given women confidence to take ownership of theirdestiny. Through the Seventy Third and Seventy Fourth Amendments to our Constitution,seats are reserved for women in the local bodies enabling them to participate in politicaldecision-making at local levels. A National Policy for Empowerment of Women wasadopted in 2001.

the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women wasratified by us in 1993.

Violence against women takes ugly forms like foeticide and infanticide, molestationand rape, sexual harassment, acid attack and even murder.

To tackle violence against women, it is important that cooperation of all stakeholders- the state, the police and other public authorities, non-governmental agencies, socialactivists and the community - is absolutely necessary. A society which cannot respectwomen, cannot be called a civilized society.

The Vishaka guidelines to counter sexual harassment at the workplace, the right of amother to be regarded as the natural guardian of her child, the right of minority womento adopt children, and the regulation of the sale of acid, are examples of this.

While 33 percent reservation for women at the panchayat level has had some success,representation of women at other tiers of the government is unfortunately poor. Womenmembers of parliament comprise a mere 11.3 percent in the present Lok Sabha. Thisis well below the global average of 21.8 percent and even below the Asian average of18.4 percent.

women candidates got an average of 8 percent of the nominations distributed by variouspolitical parties.

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To bridge the gender disparity gap in our country, we require positive intervention inareas such as education, economic empowerment and governance. We have to strengthenthe systems and processes that facilitate women to take control and claim ownershipof their lives.

The micro-finance initiatives based on mutual or self-help method has helped women'sempowerment to a considerable extent. By laying focus on group ownership, controland management, and collective decision making, women become better equipped toparticipate in local governance structures. India has made some remarkable strides inthis direction.

It is said that 'if you educate a man, you educate an individual; if you educate a woman,you educate a generation'. Today in towns and villages, young girls are eager to learnand study.

Every Agricultural Field in the Country to have Irrigation Facility in the Fri, Nov 7, 2014PIB, agriculture, economics, irrigation,

every agricultural field in the country will have irrigation facility in the next ten years.

availability of water for utilization needs to be augmented to meet increasing demandsthrough efficient use of water in all the sectors. She said the issue of Water Use Efficiencyis recognized as being very important for water security in the coming years. Irrigationsector accounts for about 80% of total water use and therefore, it is imperative thatwater use efficiency is much more important in case of irrigation projects.an effective WUA will work towards an equitable and uniform distribution of availablecanal water among all users, will ensure adequate repair and maintenance of watercoursesand keep it in running condition by clearing of the silt and vegetation.

Speech by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration Mon, Nov 3, 2014Livelihood security, PIB, economics,

Livelihood is a fundamental ingredient for decent human existence. Without thisimportant pre-requisite, people suffer denial of access from the common amenities oflife. Food, shelter, education and healthcare become restrictive to someone without astable livelihood. Therefore, any policy in the socio-economic domain has livelihoodprovision at its core, whether or not it espouses such an objective explicitly.Lack of livelihood opportunities manifests itself in several forms of deprivation; mostglaringly, poverty. In India, the high incidence of poverty of over 60 percent thatprevailed six decades ago have come down to below 30 per cent now. About 85 million

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people came out of poverty during the period 2009-10 to 2011-12. Even then, a sizeablenumber of about 270 million remained below the poverty line as of 2011-12. Our goalnow is 'poverty elimination'; not merely 'poverty alleviation'

he bulk of the poor in India, about four-fifth, reside in rural areas. Livelihood securityfor the rural population, therefore, has to receive strong impetus. Agriculture, which isthe backbone of India's economy, is a crucial sector for the rural economy as well. Asound agricultural system is indispensable for attaining a host of objectives like povertyeradication, food adequacy, nutritional security, expansion in rural employment andhigher rural incomes.

The occupational security for an incredibly large number of rural households hingeson agriculture. There are millions of farmers tilling on small and marginal holdings.Our focus has to be on innovations for low cost technologies, machines and tools totransform subsistence farming into a viable and rewarding profession. Our challengehas to be in reaching out to the last farmland and equipping them with best practicesin cultivation. Our efforts have to be directed at raising the low level of farm productivityin order to enhance farmer remuneration.

A large rural population exerts load on the farming sector for employment. This hasresulted in under-employment in agriculture and even disguised employment, a situationof more people being engaged than what is required. To lift the pressure off the farmsector, more jobs in the non-farm sector are required to be created through a paradigmshift from primary to secondary agriculture. The food processing sector provides awindow, linking industry with agriculture and generating jobs in rural areas and smalltownships. Developing this sunrise sector calls for greater investment in infrastructurelike cold chains, handling, packaging and transportation.

The Government has recently launched measures aimed at emancipation of the poorand the neglected. Under the 'Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana', villages will be adoptedfor provision of improved basic amenities and greater access to rights and entitlements.They will be converted into model villages for replication elsewhere. The 'DigitalIndia' programme envisages wide-spread availability of e-infrastructure to make ourcountry a digitally-empowered society and knowledge economy. Similarly, the financialinclusion programme will cover all habitations with banking facilities and provide allhouseholds bank accounts, RuPay cards, financial literacy, micro-insurance andunorganized sector pension. I am confident that these determined efforts will lead toan outpouring of socio-economic benefits including greater livelihood opportunities.

India's demographic dynamism will position us as the largest supplier of workforce inthe world in another decade. By 2021, the proportion of working age population isexpected to be 64 percent. We have the largest young population in the world. By 2020,the average age of an Indian will be 29 years, 8 years younger than an American or aChinese. Not only do we have to find gainful employment to engage our growing

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manpower, we also have to equip them with capacity and expertise to make thisimpending demographic dividend count. A skilled working population at par with thebest in the world can reap dividends like none other.

A multi-modal approach is necessary. The manufacturing sector has to be invigoratedas the potential of this sector as a mass employment generator is immense. I have greathopes that the investor-friendly initiative of 'Make in India' will lead our economy tobe a manufacturing hub of low cost but high quality products. Job creation and capacitybuilding has to complement one another. Skill development on a massive scale, of say500 million persons by 2022 as envisaged by the National Policy on Skill Development,is required. The onus is on National Skill Development Corporation and other agenciesto impart skills maintaining requisite standards and make available the targeted numberof skilled personnel. Generating interest amongst youth to acquire new skills or upgradeexisting skills call for monetary incentives.

A freeze in fresh farm jobs owing to over-employment and increasing inability of thenon-farm sector in rural areas to absorb excess rural workforce have led to the teemingof manpower in urban areas. Employment generation in the urban sector posits a toughchallenge in a scenario of skill gap and urban poverty. To enable the urban poor tomanage the external environment and access resources, financial cooperative structureshave to be promoted. The National Urban Livelihood Mission is playing a crucial rolein unleashing the capabilities of the poor to generate sustainable livelihoods.

Livelihood security is incomplete without the provision of social security. In India,over 85 percent of the working population or an estimated 400 million people work inthe unorganized sector. Schemes like 'Swavalamban' which deals with unorganizedsector pension have to fully cover the unorganized sector workforce for a significantimpact on livelihood protection.

Uma Bharti calls for Fast Track mode for Inter-Linking of RiversConsultativ Tue, Nov 11, 2014environment, river interlinking, PIB, river,

as per the National Perspective Plan of ILR, it would give additional benefits of 35million hect. of irrigation (25 million hect. of irrigation from surface waters and 10million hect. by increased use of ground waters) raising the ultimate irrigation potentialfrom 140 million hect. to 175 million hect. and generation of 34000 MW of power,apart from the benefits of flood control, navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity andpollution control etc

Sushri Bharti informed members that National Water Development Agency (NWDA)has identified 30 links, 16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under HimalayanComponent

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Members of Parliament who attended the meeting were unanimous in their support tothe concept of inter-linking of rivers. They said that Government should take thisprogramme in the mission mode and it should be completed in time bound manner.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh emphasises on prison reforms, by using technolo Fri, Nov 14, 2014social, PIB, prison reforms,

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh has emphasised on the need of prisonreforms, by using technology and improving the infrastructure.

prisons should not be seen only as places of confinement, but also for reforming theprisoners. He said that the prisoners should be imparted appropriate skill training.

Ministry of Home Affairs has already issued Advisories to state governments on thebasis of recommendations by the NHRC and the Supreme Court of India.

the phase 1 of modernization of prisons concluded in 2009 and phase 2 of the modernizationscheme will be taken up from February 2015.

Stressing the need of checking the overcrowding in prisons, he expressed concern thattwo-third of those living in prisons are under-trials. The Union Home Minister said thatthis aspect should be addressed by setting up fast-track courts.

First meeting of Reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change held Fri, Nov 14, 2014environment, Climate Change, PIB,

The Committee noted that 29 states had prepared their State Action Plan on ClimateChange (SAPCC), allocation of additional 1500 MW power was made by the Ministryof Power to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for bundling scheme and that ateam for quantification of GHG emission reduction through the implementation ofnational missions was set up.

The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency reported emissions reduction byaround 98.55 million tons by 2015 and saving of 23 million tons of oil- equivalent offuel savings and distribution of 2.58 million LED bulbs.

The Solar Mission reported the addition of grid solar power of 2870 MW and off -gridsolar applications of 364.27 MW along with solar thermal collectors of 8.42 millionsq. Mtr till 2013-14 and total CO2 reduction of 15.5 million tonnes.

The Committee was apprised of the new projects of solar parks, solar PV power projectson canal top/canal banks and solar power driven agricultural pump sets and waterpumping station in 2014-15 and implementation of green corridors transmission

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infrastructure.

The committee discussed some other initiatives as envisaged in the NAPCC. These areGreenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation in power generation; other Renewable EnergyTechnologies (RET) programmes; Disaster management links; Protection of coastalareas; Health sector; and creating capacity at different levels of government on climatechange and suggested that relevant ministries may prepare a work programme on allthese initiatives.

Union Home Minister calls for strengthening of strategies to deal with cybe Wed, Nov 5, 2014defense, cyber crimes, PIB,

Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the role of information technology to bring about evenbetter control in the field of cyber security, preventing misuse of internet social mediafor spreading toxic ideology in particular including the radicalization of the people.The subject of fool proof cyber security is of paramount importance.The cases relating to money laundering, terrorism, financial and high-tech crimes,intellectual property rights violation and illegal migrations are problems affecting allthe countries and therefore we all should join hands to strengthen Interpol to fight theseissues.

After white revolution, India to launch blue revolution to boost fish produ Fri, Nov 7, 2014fisheries, Blue Revolution, PIB, economics,

India is the second largest producer of fish, however, it still lags China by a huge margin.

fisheries output in the country is presently about 10 million tonnes, with inland fisheriesaccounting for 5.6 million tonnes and marine fisheries 3.4 million tonnes.

deep sea fishing would require large investments and we have to explore possibilitiesof public-private partnership

Blue Revolution will focus on construction of new fishing harbours, modernization offishing boats, imparting training to fishermen, and above all promote fishing as aself-employment activity.

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Draft Civil Aviation Policy Geared to Face New Global and Domestic Demands Mon, Nov 10, 2014PIB, economics, civil aviation policy,

The new Civil Aviation Policy is expected to be in place by January 2015

The Draft notes that "airports are to be designed as integrated multi-modal hubs, sothat they provide the best possible service levels as well as potential for growth. Anintegrated multi-modal hub should include rail, metro, bus and truck connectivity aswell as accommodation and other services", he added.

While developing airports, it is equally essential to ensure that related sectors such asaccess to manufacture, business, tourism and pilgrim centres are developed.

.The six metropolitan airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore andHyderabad would be developed as major international hubs and would in future be themain access points for international travel to and from India.In future a "hub-and-spoke"model would be followed, which would also facilitate the development of regionalnetworks and air connectivity as a whole.

The Draft puts emphasis on rationalizing the cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Dueto high rates of taxes, the cost of ATF in India is 40 to 45% higher than the internationalcosts.

the Government proposes to substantially develop the transport of cargo by air forwhich there is considerable potential. To achieve the objective, the six metro airportswill be developed as regional cargo hubs, integrating multi-modal transport facilities,cold chains and other commodity specific requirements. The turnaround time for cargowill be upgraded to international standards.

Airports Authority of India will be corporatised, followed by listing in the StockExchanges, in order to improve efficiency and transparency. Pawan Hans Ltd. will belisted in the Stock Exchanges with the same objective.A special package will be developed for the North-Eastern Region to improve airconnectivity and provide linkages to remote locations. The Route Dispersal Guidelineswill be reviewed with the objective of encouraging Indian carriers to enhance regionalconnectivity through deployment of small aircrafts

Helicopter Aviation is a segment that has considerable potential for growth in areassuch as reducing congestion in the big cities, medical evacuation, relief operations, lawand order, oil exploration etc. Heliports and helipads will be developed in locationswith sufficient potential.

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Singapore shows interest in developing a new smart satellite city in India Thu, Nov 6, 2014smart cities, Singapore, PIB, economics,

Singapore has shown keen interest in partnering with India in the urban developmentsector, including development of a new smart satellite city and a new capital for thestate of Andhra Pradesh.

the areas of cooperation between the two countries in the context of India's initiativeto build 100 news smart cities, develop infrastructure in 500 towns and cities, developmentof heritage cities and massing urban housing programme.

Singapore's assistance in promoting smart city features like Intelligent TransportSystems, e-urban governance including delivery of services, water management includingrecycling and solid waste management.

Raising the authorized share capital of Indian Renewable Energy Development Wed, Nov 5, 2014PIB, Renewable Energy Development Agency, economics,

approval to raise the authorized share capital of the Indian Renewable Energy DevelopmentAgency Ltd. (IREDA) from the existing level of Rs.1000 crore to Rs.6000 crore.The approval does not involve any immediate requirement of funding. Infusion ofequity, as and when required, would be based on level of operations.

During the 12th Five Year Plan, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) hastargeted 30,000 MW from various renewable energy projects out of which IREDA aimsto finance projects of an aggregate capacity of 4800 MW.The MNRE has recommended strengthening of the equity base of IREDA by infusionof Rs.5000 crore through rights issue and the IPO route during the 12th Five Year Plan,in line with the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP) of the Government.IREDA is a public financial institution established in March, 1987 under the Company'sAct, 1956. IREDA is registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company with the ReserveBank of India.

IREDA has played a pioneering role in supporting and facilitating the policies andprograms of the MNRE that has nurtured the renewable energy industry in the country.

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Left Wing Extremism discussed in the consultative committee meeting Wed, Nov 12, 2014Left Wing Extremism, defense, PIB,

Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned that LWE still remains the biggest threat to our internalsecurity and nation building process. Thus, the LWE has remained on top of the agendafor interventions by the government.

the Centre has adopted a four-pronged strategy with the LWE affected states to tacklethe Maoist threat comprising of security related interventions, development, securingrights and entitlements to the largely tribal hit population and public perceptionmanagement.

number of steps to improve the capacity of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) andState Police Forces including the raising of the India Reserve Battalions (IRBs).over hundred battalions of CAPFs and 10 COBRA (Commando Battalions for ResoluteAction) battalions have been deployed for anti-LWE operations.security related measures such as modernization of state police forces, security relatedexpenditure, construction of 400 fortified police stations, setting up of 21 counter-insurgencyand anti-terrorist (CIAT) schools, recruitment in CAPFs, creation of unified commandsin states and an effective media plan.

The development related measures such as implementation of flagship programmesand the rights of scheduled tribes and traditional forest dwellers and implementationof Panchayats extension to scheduled areas act was also discussed in the meeting.

On the development front, the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) being implemented in 88LWE affected districts since 2010 has been subsumed into the "Additional CentralAssistance to LWE Affected Districts" programme. Besides, nearly 5,500 kms of roadlength are being laid out in 34 severely LWE affected districts. With a view to addressthe problem of alienation among tribals, over 12 lakh title deeds have been distributedto Adivasis in the LWE affected states under the path-breaking Scheduled Tribes andOther Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

R&D in steel industry is the need of the hour says Shri Narendra Singh Toma Thu, Nov 13, 2014shah commission, PIB, economics, steel industry,

Expressing concern over the shortage of iron ore for several domestic producers, ShriTomar said, "Iron ore production has fallen from the level of 218 million tonne (MT)to around 150 MT owing to various reasons. In line with the recommendations ofSupreme Court and the Shah Commission, we have revised mining guidelines in the

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country to make the process more transparent and efficient

Comparing India's per capita average consumption of steel at 60 kg with the globalaverage of 215 kg, Shri Tomar expressed confidence in the growth potential of domesticsteel industry, despite tough market conditions.

Indian Railways to go for Bio-Diesel in a Big Way - Gowda Wed, Nov 5, 2014environment, railways, PIB, bio diesel,

Indian Railways has decided to promote use of alternative fuels like bio-diesel in a bigway for powering our vast fleet of over 4000 Diesel locomotives.

Indian Railways, is the single largest bulk consumer of diesel in the country and asmentioned in Railway Budget 2014-15, Indian Railways will start using Bio-Diesel upto 5% of the total fuel consumption in diesel locomotives. This will save preciousforeign exchange substantially.

Indian Railways consume over two billion litres of diesel every year. For this Railwayshave to foot a bill of over Rs.15000 crore annually. Therefore, even a small reductionin fuel consumption through blending with Bio-Diesel will result in a substantial savingsin the fuel bill. In addition, the attendant benefits of a cleaner environment would alsoaccrue on account of lower carbon emission, without requiring any change in thelocomotive design.

Jatropha oil had been used in India as biodiesel in remote rural and forest communities;Jatropha oil can be used directly after extraction i.e. without refining in diesel generatorsand engines.

Bio-fuels also have a role to play in our efforts to address environmental concerns,particularly where we cannot otherwise easily decarbonise, like in the transport sector.However, it is crucial that the bio-fuels used must be genuinely sustainable and costeffective.

National Education Day Celebration Tue, Nov 11, 2014national education day, social, PIB, education,

To mark the celebration of National Education Day, the following new initiatives werestarted by the Ministry of HRD-

* "Saksham" which is a college level scholarship for differently abled, needy andmeritorious children.

* "Pragati" which is a scholarship for girl students who are pursuing technical education

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at college level.

* Skill Credit Framework document which provides a Skill Assessment Matrix forVocational Advancement of Youth

* "Know your College Portal" which is an application developed for helping a prospectivestudent make a valued judgment of the college* "Unnat Bharat Abhiyan" to involve higher educational institutions to work with thepeople of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriatesolutions for accelerating sustainable growth.

President attends National Education Day Celebrations Tue, Nov 11, 2014national education day, social, PIB, education,

Maulana Azad was a key architect of education in independent India.As Minister ofEducation, he had a challenging task of conceiving an education system to develop anational spirit, an element that was missing from the colonial system. He introduced asystem to inculcate a rational approach and spirit of enquiry in the education curriculum.

To create socio-religious and cultural inter-linkages in India, he set up a number ofinstitutions - Lalit Kala Academi, Sangeet Natak Academi and Sahitya Academi.

He said that we have traversed a long distance from just one out of four children inschool in the early fifties to a school accessible to every child today and almost universalenrolment with gender parity. In recent times, our expenditure on education has risen- from 2.9 percent of GDP in 2008-09 to 3.3 percent in 2013-14.

Schools are the laboratories which produce the future citizens of a State. The qualityof the State therefore depends upon the quality of such laboratories

Our education programmes must be driven by the 3 E's of expansion, equity andexcellence. We must establish norms and performance benchmarks for learning processesand outcomes and strictly enforce them across all schools.

A fast digitalizing world holds scope to usher in sweeping changes in pedagogy andteaching-learning structures. Our efforts in harnessing new technology are at a nascentstage. We cannot afford to lose time. We have to leverage our advanced technologicalinstitutions and leadership position in IT. Alongside, we have to remove the wedgebetween digital 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which seeks to bridgethe digital divide through computer education, should look for inter-linkages with the'Digital India' programme that envisages provision of digital infrastructure to createa digitally-empowered knowledge society.

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Modern education promotes a spirit of competitiveness and utilitarianism. But it shouldnever lead to creation of a generation that turns a blind eye to the problems afflictingthe society. The youth should be pro-active participants in nation-building. The onusis on them to find solutions to burning problems in sanitation, drinking water, energy,accessibility to remote areas, public health and so on

Statement on WTO made by Commerce & Industry Minister Thu, Nov 13, 2014WTO, PIB, economics, Trade Facilitation Agreement,

India is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and is committed tostrengthening it and ensuring that the WTO remains a key pillar of the global economicedifice.

The principles of non-discrimination, predictability, transparency and, most importantly,the commitment to development underlying the multilateral trading system are toovaluable to lose.

Reasons for India's Stand

The Doha Development Agenda which was agreed in the year 2001 is the very firstround dedicated to development. The agenda is a fine balance between market accessand development issues.

We supported the Bali Package but w hen subsequent developments belied that hope,India had no option but to seek a course correction. India, therefore, took the stand thattill there was an assurance of our concerns being addressed, it would be difficult to jointhe consensus on the Protocol of Amendment for the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

WTO Rules and Food Security

While the relevant WTO rules recognize food security concerns, their primary focusis to liberalise agricultural trade rather than to ensure food security. However, the factis that some of these rules are proving to be a hindrance to food security efforts.

We believe that the rules of the WTO should support the food security efforts of countries"rather than policies having to tiptoe around WTO rules," as the former UN SpecialRapporteur on the Right to Food said.

Commitment to the Trade Facilitation Agreement

India has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

* W e recognise its value for trade and for that very reason we agreed to it in the largerinterest of global trade.

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However, for developing countries the benefits may not be commensurate with theassociated costs. Implementation of the rest of the Bali Decisions will give somecomfort to the developing countries and LDCs, even though most of the non-bindingdecisions do not hold out the promise of substantial gains for these countries.

India and the United Kingdom Agree to Further Strengthen the Cooperation in Thu, Nov 13, 2014PIB, international, UK, education, United Kingdom,

Both sides also discussed the Chevening Scholarships for Indian students; two-waystudent mobility; Generation UK-India programme which will support up to 25,000young people from the UK to come to India over the next 5 years and initiatives supportedby DFID.

After taking over of the present Government, the issue of equivalence of India's 10+2qualifications with "A" level qualification of UK was taken up at very high levels.

The areas of leadership development; research, innovation, technology and knowledgetransfer; Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; enhancing people to people linksand two-way mobility; quality improvement in education; use of ICT in education;development of MOOCs and e-Library and launch of UKIERI-III in 2016 have beenhighlighted in the Joint Statement.

India & UK Agrees to Scale-up Bilateral Research and Innovation Relationsh Wed, Nov 12, 2014PIB, international, UK, United Kingdom,

it was decided that a new be known as the Newton-Bhabha Fund will be taken to furtherthe relations..

the significant role that the UK-India research and innovation partnership has playedin bringing together the best researchers in both countries countries are activelycooperating to address the global challenges through the application of science andtechnology.

UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI)has been successful in buildingnew scientific partnerships through joint research projects and networking. It was agreedin principle to augment and continue UKIERI Phase III.

The Newton-Bhabha Fund (PS50 million over 5 years from the UK and matched effortsfrom India) is an important programme, with a strong interdisciplinary dimensionA series of new Newton-Bhabha programmes were welcomed, including:

joint PhD student mobility programme.

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joint initiative for new research projects in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Up toPS2 million is available

Up to PS10 million for joint Global Research Programme in Women's and Children'sHealth

research in Renewable Energy

joint programme to support business-led research and development aimed at tacklinggrand societal challenges.

Venkaiah Naidu Calls for Three Pronged Strategy to Realize the Goal of Clea Sat, Nov 1, 2014Clean India, social, PIB, Swachh Bhrat Mission,

three-pronged strategy to relialize the goal of Clean India which should include sustainedcampaign - continue the chain of nine; focus more on behaviroual change - encouragevoluntary public participation; and to recognize ULBs, NGOs and Private Sectorcontributing significantly to the success of the Mission.

The Minister strongly felt that every socially conscious citizen and public representativeshould be persuaded to make nine people to take up the task of campaigning for SwachhBharat and each one of them should pass on to nine others to keep the campaign going.

Shri Naidu said that MCDs and DDA should meet twice a week to sort out the issueswhich are hindering the solid waste management in the capital. He said local bodiesshould be involved to get feedback on regular basis.

The Minister said all officers should get together once a week for taking up Clean IndiaMission. He said all Municipal Corporations should prepare action plans for theconstruction of toilets/Dhalaos in slums/JJ colonies.

The Urban Development Minister reiterated that the Government will focus oninfrastructure creation, construction of toilets, both individual and community, settingup of new treatment plants for solid and sewerage waste, distribution of enough dustbins etc.

the most important aspect for the campaign should be to create Swachh Manasikata(Clean Mindset). Awareness among the people should be created that the country istheirs and that they have to do their bit by developing a sense of belongingness andresponsibility and by keeping their surroundings clean.

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A strong system of incentives and advocacy will drive the Beti Bachao Beti Tue, Nov 11, 2014child sex ratio, social, PIB, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, women,

the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao(BBBP) scheme of the Government will be based on astrong system of incentives and media advocacy to bring about an all-round change inattitudes.

the districts will submit their multi-sectoral plans soon for which they will be givenfunds of upto Rs 1.00cr each. Remaining regional consultations are expected to becompleted within this month, she added. 100 districts with low Child Sex Ratio havebeen identified for implementing the scheme.

pib nov 1 to nov 15

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